CM Mohan Yadav described Bhagoria as a festival of joy, symbolizing the vibrancy of spring. He assured that the state government would preserve its spirit and enthusiasm. From this year onward, Bhagoria will be officially recognized as a state-level festival, with the Chief Minister himself participating in the celebrations.
The government also announced plans to support the development of worship sites dedicated to tribal deities in smaller locations. Additionally, the Koraku Festival will be celebrated, and all upcoming tribal festivals will receive official recognition. These announcements were made by CM Mohan Yadav during the Tribal Devalok Mahotsav held at the Chief Minister’s residence on Tuesday.
Preserving Tribal Heritage and Traditions
CM Mohan Yadav emphasized that the tribal community is a source of pride for the state, highlighting their immense sacrifices in the freedom struggle. He reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding their religious practices, traditions, and customs. Every necessary step will be taken to preserve and promote tribal heritage.
The event commenced with the Bada Dev Poojan (Grand God Worship) and a lamp-lighting ceremony, following traditional tribal customs. The Chief Minister, along with the gathered tribal brothers and sisters, chanted “Jai Bada Dev” and “Jai Johar.” Upon his arrival, tribal artists welcomed CM Mohan Yadav with traditional dances and folk instruments like mandal drums, while he responded by showering flowers as a gesture of hospitality.
CM Mohan Yadav highlighted that the Tribal Devalok Mahotsav is an opportunity to honor tribal religious leaders. He assured that spiritual figures such as Ojha, Patel, Pujara, Tadvi, Bhagat, Bhumka, and Panda, who uphold tribal traditions, will always be respected by the government. He praised the unity within the tribal community, emphasizing that their language embodies love and their worship reflects deep reverence for nature.
Recognition of Tribal Heroes and Economic Support
The Chief Minister acknowledged the sacrifices made by tribal freedom fighters in protecting water, forests, land, and dignity. He honored figures like Tantya Mama, Rani Durgavati, Amar Shaheed Raghunath Shah, and Kunwar Shankar Shah as symbols of this proud heritage. He urged the tribal community to continue preserving their rich traditions, assuring them of full government support.
To recognize the contributions of tribal dancers and musicians, the government announced financial assistance of ₹5,000 for each tribal performer and ₹3,000 for all PESA Gram Panchayats to help conserve tribal shrines and deities. During the event, the Chief Minister personally distributed cheques to beneficiaries, reinforcing the government’s commitment to tribal welfare.
Empowering Tribal Communities
CM Mohan Yadav emphasized that the PESA Act has further strengthened tribal rights. The responsibility for implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission has been assigned to Tribal Minister Smt. Sampatiya Uikey, while Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah will oversee overall tribal welfare. More than 2.5 lakh forest rights certificates have been issued to tribal families, securing their land rights. Additionally, efforts are being made to extend the Narmada River’s water supply to tribal regions.
Farmers will receive permanent electricity connections for just ₹5, starting with the Central Region Power Distribution Company and later expanding statewide. Solar pumps will be provided to all farmers within three years, enabling them to generate their own electricity for irrigation. Any surplus electricity generated by farmers will be purchased by the government. Wheat farmers will receive ₹2,600 per quintal, while paddy farmers will get ₹4,000 per hectare as an incentive for Kharif 2024-2025.
To boost dairy farming, the government will provide a ₹5 per liter bonus to farmers producing milk and procure milk directly through the Cooperative Department. Additionally, the government is committed to ensuring that all eligible citizens receive permanent homes under the PM Awas Yojana, along with electricity, clean drinking water, and free ration. Improved transport services will also be introduced in remote tribal areas through government-run buses to address commuting challenges.
Forest Conservation and Tribal Welfare
CM Mohan Yadav acknowledged the critical role tribal communities play in protecting forests. The government will encourage greater tribal involvement in forest conservation while ensuring they receive economic benefits from forest produce. During the event, the Chief Minister engaged with representatives from various tribal groups, including Bhil, Bhilala, Patel, Panika, Gond, Koraku, Mawasi, Pardhan, Kol, Oraon, Baiga, Bharia, and Sahariya, extending his best wishes for the Bhagoria festival and upcoming Holi celebrations.
Union Minister of Tribal Affairs Durga Das Uikey praised the government’s efforts in tribal welfare, stating that the Devalok Mahotsav would serve as a milestone in preserving tribal heritage. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to tribal development.
State Minister for Tribal Affairs Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah emphasized that true development is only possible through collective participation, describing the event as a gathering that strengthens tribal unity. Minister Smt. Sampatiya Uikey reaffirmed the government’s dedication to preserving tribal religious customs and protecting natural resources, while Minister for Scheduled Caste Welfare Nagar Singh Chauhan highlighted the state’s proactive approach in tribal development, including efforts to eradicate sickle cell anemia.
More than 16,000 tribal religious leaders participated in the event, selected through village councils (gram sabhas). Information kits were distributed to these leaders to help them spread awareness about government welfare schemes, including sickle cell anemia prevention.
Several tribal spiritual leaders, including Manoj Patel, Sur Singh Meena, and Brij Gopi, addressed the gathering, commending the government’s initiatives to preserve tribal culture, temples, and traditions. They assured their full support in continuing this legacy.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Smt. Radha Singh, MLA Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani, Principal Secretary for Tribal Affairs Shri Gulshan Bamra, Tribal Development Commissioner Shri Shriman Shukla, and numerous tribal community members from across the state.